Primary schools respond to crossing supervisors exit

EUROA and St John's primary schools' councils have voiced grave concern about recent correspondence from Strathbogie Shire Council advising that as from July 10, they will no longer be providing crossing supervision due to lack of State Government funding. The safety of Euroa's children and community at large becomes at risk as soon as this service is removed. Both school crossings are on well used roads; the five corners of Anderson and Clifton streets, as well as the crossing outside of St John's; both being thoroughfares through Euroa. Road users are varied, from cars to trucks, bikes to farm machinery. There is also a considerable amount of non–local traffic, with vehicles coming off the freeway to use the local services, and at times in the event of accidents on freeways and highways, Euroa is the only route through for diverted traffic for both crossings. A significant rise of heavy rigid vehicles has also been noted of late. These present huge concerns for unsupervised crossings. St John's Primary School principal Therese Stewart said she is extremely worried about what lies ahead for our current supervised crossings. "A crossing only becomes a safe crossing when it is supervised by a fully trained crossing supervisor," Ms Stewart said. She said that Anderson Street has become busier with more trucks and heavy vehicles using the road, often at speeds in excess of the speed limit. "Without a crossing supervisor the potential for a serious accident increases dramatically," Ms Stewart said. "Research is very clear that most children in primary schools do not have the road sense needed to cross safely without support." Due to the locations of both crossings, supervisors assist children attending all three Euroa schools (includes children travelling through to the secondary college which does not have a supervised crossing), as well as helping other pedestrians cross safely during the busy morning and afternoon hours. Crossing supervisors form an essential part of educating children and help them to develop reliable traffic behaviour. "They are respected and loved by our school communities; they are well known to the children and they constantly keep our children safe by being aware and vigilant of the direct surroundings," Ms Stewart said. Crossing supervisor at St John's , Marc Stevens, is a much loved member of the community and one that the children look forward to seeing each morning and afternoon. "Knowing the kids and families for such a long time, we have created relationships and bonds of trust and stability and structure in their day," Mr Stevens said. "Schools become more and more complex places and demands on teachers and administrators are extensive. "We should not have to be worrying about the safety of children crossing roads and lobbying the council and State Government to provide the funding for an essential service. "But we (crossing supervisors) will continue to do this until the funding is secured for the children and families of St John's. "When the government comes to the realisation that their funding support is essential for the safety of the children, we also want to ensure that Marc (Stevens) remains our supervisor." Many parents allow their children to walk, scooter or bike to school, because they know that the road crossings are supervised. "It is so important to the health, independence and growth of our kids to continue this activity," Rosemary Cameron, Euroa Primary School Council, president said. "From a driver's perspective, crossing supervisors are a reminder of the children and pedestrians during school hours. "Both school councils have reached out to the Department of Education, the Department of Transport as well as contacting Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland and Independent Member for Indi, Helen Haines; petitions are underway to be presented to the State Government. "We need community help in lobbying Annabelle Cleeland and Jaclyn Symes (Member for Northern Victoria)," Ms Cameron said. "Awareness and campaigning in support of extra funding to allow our kids to be safe is of great importance."